Developing a Handbook for Construction Equipment Management and Implementation

Abstract

Abstract : Construction equipment may constitute one of the single largest long term capital investments for a contractor. This is particularly true for those contractors engaged primarily in horizontal construction. Regardless of the type of construction, the goal of successful construction management is to complete projects in accordance with plans and specifications, on time, within budget, and at the least possible cost. A crucial element in accomplishing the aforementioned goal is the effective management and implementation of construction equipment. The fundamental goal of the equipment management process is to determine the best piece of equipment for a given job Although this is not necessarily a complex notion, there are many factors to consider in making this determination. Most importantly, the equipment must pay for itself. In other words, the cost to own and operate the equipment must be less than what the equipment owner charges for its use. Today there exist many different types of equipment that can accomplish the same job. Thus, the equipment manager must typically consider more than one option. What this report sets forth to provide is a clear and concise handbook for the equipment management process. It provides a basic overview of the subject and will allow the reader to develop a construction equipment management process based on his or her own set of criteria.